Far North Queensland’s three Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL) companies, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, QT Resort Port Douglas and Event Cinemas announced this month that all fundraising efforts will be directed to Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation representing a significant contribution of $30,000 annually.

Area General Manager of Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Matthew Hurley said he is delighted to announce this new partnership that will mean all funds raised, stay in the community, for the community.

“This new partnership is great news for us working here in the Far North and it feels good knowing that from now on we will be able to make a real and tangible difference. In the past, fundraising ventures, such as last week’s annual trivia night event that raised $4,000, were administered nationally and in effect, meant only a portion of funds raised could be allocated to our important local charities.”

Every year the three AHL companies based in the Far North host a number of events with an underlying charitable motive. These include the annual trivia night, kid’s movie premiere, sausage sizzles and workplace giving which gives staff the opportunity to pledge a small percentage of their weekly wage to a nominated charity. Hot on the heels of last week’s trivia event is confirmation that Rydges has fielded a team, the Rydges Riders, in the up and coming Cardiac Challenge fundraising bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown. Rydges Esplanade General Manager Shannon Craig and Financial Controller, Craig Soady’s pedal power will contribute further to Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s fundraising.

FNQHF CEO Tony Franz of FNQ Hospital Foundation, said this new partnership was a gift from heaven for their organisation that works tirelessly to outfit the hospital with much needed equipment and infrastructure.

“Rydges are the first company in Cairns to establish payroll giving towards the Foundation and we’re thrilled that they’ve seen the benefits of supporting us.

“We have a number of projects that we’re working towards and we’re extremely grateful to have AHL’s corporate sponsorship,” Mr Franz said.